12 of 22 casino bidders targeting region

The Hudson Valley/Catskill region appears to be the desired destination for 12 of the 22 entities that submitted a $1 million fee to the state for a gaming license.

Jessica DiNapoli and Steve Israel

The Hudson Valley/Catskill region appears to be the desired destination for 12 of the 22 entities that submitted a $1 million fee to the state for a gaming license.

Two of the companies targeting the Hudson Valley, specifically Orange County, had not been discussed publicly before. They are Hudson Valley Gaming, which is believed to be Hard Rock, and NYS Funding by Och-Ziff Real Estate, a New York City money manager.

Representatives for both companies declined to comment.

A state Gaming Commission spokesman said the state would not be releasing any more information about applicants at this time.

County Executive Steve Neuhaus said Thursday night that one of the new players will make an announcement soon about its plans. He expects there now to be at least six casino proposals in the county. Neuhaus did not share any information about the other newcomer.

He plans to update the county's economic development gaming committee about casino proposals at its meeting next week. The committee also plans to pass a resolution supporting gaming at the meeting.

On Wednesday, another newcomer, Genting America, announced it paid the $1 million application fee for a gaming license. The international resorts company hopes to build a casino at the site of the Renaissance Faire and ski center in the Town of Tuxedo, said Supervisor Mike Rost.

The company will present its plans to the Town Board Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at the George Grant Mason Elementary School on Hillside Avenue.